This book is the first account to cover the closely related genera Cotyledon and Tylecodon. It represents information gathered over the past 25 years. Each species is described and illustrated by means of watercolor paintings and habitat photographs of the plants.

Most illustrations were prepared by the late Elise Bodley and a few by Lisa Strachan. Distribution maps are included. The book covers the plants' adaptation to arid environments, their distribution in Africa, cultivation and interesting ethnic uses, a historical review of botanical exploration and keys to simplify identification.